Kent is paying tribute to the Queen, who sadly passed away peacefully yesterday.
The Queen visited Kent on many occasions during her 70 reign, with places including Folkestone, Dover, Canterbury, Rochester, Hythe, The Medway Towns, Chatham, Gillingham and Gravesend to name a few.
She was also at the opening of the Queen Elizabeth II bridge between Kent and Essex in October 1991.
A statue of Her Majesty the Queen was unveiled in Gravesend town centre in 2018 to celebrate our longest-reigning monarch. It is thought to be the only seated sculpture of the Queen in existence.
A number of people and groups from around Kent have issued statements.
Chief Constable of Kent Police Alan Pughsley QPM said ‘I am deeply saddened by the news from Buckingham Palace of the death this afternoon of Her Majesty The Queen and I would like to pass on the condolences of all officers and staff at Kent Police to the Royal Family at this time. The Queen has been a steadfast servant of this and many other countries as head of state for decades; the stability she has provided and her extraordinary strength of character will be sorely missed’.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent said ‘On behalf of the people of Kent and Medway, I convey our condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen. All our thoughts and prayers are with them on this saddest of days, sharing with them a deep sense of grief and loss’.
Leader of the Kent County Council Roger Gough said ‘Along with so many people across Kent and the country, I am deeply saddened at the death of Her Majesty the Queen. I am sure that the Royal Family are in all our thoughts and prayers; above all, our new monarch, King Charles III as he both mourns his mother and takes on the huge responsibility of serving our country’.
Leader of the Labour Group at KCC, Dr Lauren Sullivan, said ‘On behalf of the Opposition and the Labour Group at Kent County Council we join with County Councillor colleagues and officers to offer our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. We pay tribute to her long and dedicated public service. Thank you, Ma’am’.
Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sue Bell said ‘On behalf of the council and the people of Tonbridge and Malling, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family. As a nation, we share their grief at the loss of a truly remarkable monarch whose spirit of public service never wavered and whose wisdom and warmth touched everyone she met’.
The Kent Youth League said ‘The Kent Youth League mourns the loss of our Queen and may she Rest In Peace – a very sad day and our thoughts are with the Royal family on this historic day – for 70 years she reigned – we will never see her like again’.
The East Kent Railway said ‘On behalf of the Railway & our community, we are very saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen and offer our condolences to the whole royal family at this very sad time, with gratitude for decades of public service as the longest-serving monarch in British history’.
Kent Cricket said ‘Kent Cricket is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’.
East Kent Hospitals said ‘Everyone at East Kent Hospitals shares the sadness of our nation today as we mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family as they grieve for their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother’.
Kent Police Specials said ‘Rest in Peace Ma’am. Thank you for your amazing service’.
University of Kent said ‘We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen. The thoughts of the entire University are with the Royal Family as we are united in grief with the nation, the Commonwealth and the millions around the world’.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said ‘Kent Fire and Rescue Service sends its condolences to the Royal Family following the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’.
Port of London Authority said ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen was a friend of, and visitor to the river over her long reign. The Thames, the royal river, hosted numerous events, including the River Pageant in 2012, marking Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. Everyone at Port of London Authority expresses their condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time’.
East Kent Mencap said ‘e are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family. The Queen’s relentless commitment to charitable causes and helping those in need will forever be remembered. She was an inspiration’.
Arriva Kent said ‘Our colleagues across Arriva Group are deeply saddened to hear about the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this very sad time’.
Kent Adult Education said ‘Forever remembered for her service and dedication to her country. Thank you for your service ma’am’.
West Kent Freemasons said ‘On behalf of the Province of West Kent, I was deeply saddened at the death of Her Majesty The Queen. I know each of our members will join me in expressing our deep sympathy at the death of Her Majesty, and we extend sincere condolences to The Royal Family’.
Kent Training & Apprenticeships said ‘Forever remembered for her service and dedication to her country. Thank you for your service ma’am’.
The Kent Surry Sussex Air Ambulance Charity said ‘We are deeply saddened by news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her lifetime of dedicated service to the nation has been an inspiration to millions. Our thoughts and prayers are with The Royal Family at this sad time’.
Kent & East Sussex Railway said ‘On behalf of the Railway and all our community, we are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen and offer our condolences to the whole of the Royal Family at this very sad time’.
And finally, from us at KentNews.Online ‘We are deeply saddened at the death of Her Majesty the Queen. We would like to thank her for a lifetime of dedicated service. She has been an inspiration and guided us all. She has been an example of how a leader should be and was much loved and admired. We extend sincere condolences to The Royal Family’.
